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The New York Rangers are on the cusp of advancing to the second round of the playoffs after a dominant 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals in Game 3 of their first-round series. The Rangers now hold a commanding 3-0 lead and can clinch the series with a win in Game 4 on Sunday night.Vincent Trocheck played a pivotal role in the Rangers' victory, scoring a power-play goal and assisting on a short-handed tally. Igor Shesterkin was equally impressive in net, making 27 saves and continuing his stellar postseason performance.The Rangers showcased their special teams prowess, scoring goals at even strength, on the power play, and while short-handed. Trocheck set up Barclay Goodrow for a short-handed goal and later scored on the power play, while Chris Kreider tipped in a puck for his franchise-best 42nd career playoff goal.At the other end of the ice, Shesterkin was a brick wall, denying Max Pacioretty and Alex Ovechkin, who remains without a point in the series. Shesterkin's performance was particularly impressive after allowing an early goal to John Carlson.The Rangers' ability to control the game and limit the Capitals' chances was a major factor in their victory. They only trailed for 34 seconds in the game, with Kreider tying it up shortly after Carlson's goal. Goodrow's goal put them ahead just two minutes later, and they maintained the lead throughout the rest of the game.The Rangers' success in this series has been built on their ability to capitalize on special teams opportunities. Nearly a third of the game was played on special teams, which favored the Rangers' potent power play and penalty kill.The Capitals, on the other hand, have struggled to keep up with the Rangers' pace and execution. Injuries have also played a role, with Washington missing two of their top four defensemen in Nick Jensen and Rasmus Sandin. Trevor van Riemsdyk also left the game in the first period after a high hit by Rangers rookie Matt Rempe.

The Washington Capitals secured their playoff berth in dramatic fashion, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 on Tuesday night. The Flyers' desperate attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive backfired when they pulled goalie Samuel Ersson for an extra attacker in a tie game, allowing T.J. Oshie to score into an empty net with just 3 minutes remaining.The surreal scene unfolded after a hard-fought third period that saw both teams playing 5 on 5. Just minutes after Detroit's overtime loss in Montreal eliminated Philadelphia, Flyers coach John Tortorella made the fateful decision to pull Ersson.The Capitals, who had endured a six-game losing streak earlier in the season, capitalized on the Flyers' desperation. Alex Ovechkin opened the scoring late in the first period with his 31st goal of the season, moving 42 goals closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time record.Philadelphia responded in the second period with a goal from Erik Johnson, but Charlie Lindgren stood tall in net for Washington, making 27 saves. Lindgren's strong performance, coupled with Oshie's empty-netter, sealed the victory for the Capitals.The Flyers' playoff hopes were dashed, while the Capitals clinched a berth and eliminated their rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Washington will now face the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs, beginning this weekend.

Alex Ovechkin's recent scoring surge has propelled the Washington Capitals back into playoff contention. The Russian superstar netted two goals against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, reaching 26 goals for the season and fueling Washington's 3-0 victory.Ovechkin's offensive explosion has coincided with the Capitals' recent resurgence. After scoring just eight goals in his first 43 games, he has now tallied eight goals in his last five outings. This hot streak has reignited talk of Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record, as he now trails the legendary scorer by 46 goals.The Capitals' victory over the Jets was a testament to their newfound offensive prowess. After a scoreless first period, John Carlson broke the deadlock with a power-play goal just over a minute into the third period. Ovechkin then added two goals in quick succession, securing the win for Washington.While Ovechkin's goalscoring exploits stole the headlines, the Capitals' victory was also due in large part to the stellar play of goaltender Charlie Lindgren. Lindgren stopped all 27 shots he faced, outdueling Connor Hellebuyck, one of the frontrunners for the Vezina Trophy.The Capitals' victory moved them into the second and final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, ahead of the Detroit Red Wings. However, the race for the playoffs remains tight, with the Capitals just one point ahead of the Red Wings and two points behind the Philadelphia Flyers.The Capitals will face a pivotal showdown with the Red Wings on Tuesday night, a game that could determine who remains in playoff contention. The Jets, meanwhile, will host the Edmonton Oilers and reigning MVP Connor McDavid on Tuesday night.